Company History

Commitment to customer service and quality work performance – a simple formula perhaps, but a successful one that has been enabling Evergreen Fire and Security to continue exceeding expectations since its founding in 2000.

Before Evergreen’s founding, the dynamic duo destined to be the driving force behind Evergreen Fire and Security’s long-term success were following different paths. UW alumni Jonn Forslin started his small business doing general contracting. His first big break came when they were awarded a contract to test and maintain the fire alarm systems at Fort Lewis, Washington. Meanwhile, retired fire chief John Burgess was also performing work on the base’s fire alarm systems. His successful career in the fire department and experience with life safety services provided him with invaluable inside knowledge of what it takes to ensure a properly functioning fire alarm system – one that the base could rely on to protect lives and property.

When John Burgess & Jonn Forslin combined forces and created Evergreen Fire and Security (Evergreen), they knew they were onto something special. Their combined talents, resources, vision, and commitment made a winning combination that has enabled Evergreen to increase their customer base both in the Government and Commercial sectors. Under their guidance and leadership, Evergreen's owners have created a small business that has earned a reputation for quality work, exceptional customer service, and reliability.

In 2001, Fort Lewis turned to Evergreen to see if they could also help them
with their failing MDI security system. The previous contractor wasn’t
performing up to standards and the base needed a company they could trust
and rely on to get the job done. Evergreen immediately attended training and
earned certification directly from the manufacturer, MDI. Evergreen’s owners
soon had the MDI system functioning smoothly and meeting all standards. In
2003, Fort Lewis rewarded Evergreen with a multi-year contract to provide
maintenance, repair and upgrades for all the facilities on base.

The year 2003 was a breakout year in terms of growth for Evergreen – both
for the company and its customer base. Soon, this small business that began
in Washington State expanded into Alaska, Arkansas, and California.
Evergreen was awarded contracts for security work at Fort Richardson,
Alaska; Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, and Los Angeles Air force Base,
California. Many other government contracts located throughout the country
followed. The company’s footprint was definitely on the move.

In order to keep up with its increasing number of contracts, Evergreen hired, trained and certified skilled, experienced technicians, system engineers, managers, and other support staff. The company went from seven employees in 2003 to 40 employees in 2004. (The company now has 80.)

Evergreen has also grown in skills, technology, and depth of resources. Evergreen now has 14 regional offices in eight different states, and has provided services to locations throughout the United States and overseas including Europe, Japan, and the Middle East. Throughout its history, Evergreen has kept up-to-date on all technologies, has developed working relationships with key manufacturers and other companies, and has continued to obtain certifications and dealerships in the systems that they work with.

The owners' belief that Evergreen’s best resource is its staff, and they
have supported that belief with a large investment in the recruitment,
training and retention of top notch professionals who are experts in their
fields.

The fact that customers can rely on Evergreen to meet or exceed expectations is one of the reasons Evergreen has increased their customer base and retained all of their maintenance contracts for second and third multi-year awards. Evergreen also continues to receive positive feedback and recognition. For example, Evergreen has won many awards, including Dealer of the Year for Silent Knight Fire Alarm Systems and Security Solutions Partner of the Year and Enterprise Partner of the Year for MDI Security Solutions. The Fort Lewis Fire Department recognized Evergreen’s significant contribution to their earning the Installation Management Agency Fire and Emergency Services, fire Prevention Program of the Year and Department of the Army, Fire and Emergency Services, Fire Prevention Program of the Year.

Today, Evergreen continues to provide sales, design, installation, maintenance, and administration services for fire alarm, mass notification, intrusion detection, access control, and CCTV systems. Our team’s commitment on keeping up the highest level of service for our customers is at the forefront of our way of doing business.

Personnel and Certifications

Our ability to recruit, train and retain the best personnel has allowed us
to deliver a level of service that is unmatched in the industry. They are
the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certified on all versions of ICIDS
I, II and III systems and several others; including but not limited to MDI
(ICIDS II), DAQ (ICIDS I and III), Vindicator, and Honeywell ProWatch. Our
staff with years of relevant experience, can be unescorted into secure areas
such as vaults, SCIFS, and arms rooms; and are certified to work in chemical
facilities. Additionally, our technicians are also certified trainers of
ICIDS I, II and III (both operator and system administrator), which allows
us to provide expert training for our customers.

Our team is intimately familiar with every code and ordinance that affect
our work and your environment. We provide our technicians with up to date
training and retraining to keep current on the latest technologies and best
practices. Our technicians participate with industry standard credentialing
programs including NICET and city and state licenses. We work closely with
the local authorities to ensure the proper protection of life and property
and our methods are always in compliance with national and local codes. All
of our technicians are licensed and NICET Certified in Fire Alarm Systems.
Our technicians are members of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers) Union, where continuing education is of the highest
priority. We are factory trained on several national and international
product lines, including EST, Silent Knight, and DSC Security products. Our
contracted Central Station Monitoring facility is local, UL certified, and
has an out of state duplicate facility to better serve our customers,
providing a complete back-up facility. The Service and Inspection department
conducts required periodical testing and inspections on an expansive
selection of Fire Alarm Systems in a wide variety of structures including
medical facilities, high rise buildings, industrial facilities, and many
other properties including Military installations.